Based on the statement issued by the Martos City Council and its position regarding the proposed biomethane plant projects, we would like to thank the council for its commitment to transparency and its efforts to keep the public informed about these renewable energy projects in the municipality.
At Avalon Renovables, the developers of theH2 Alperujo Martos Waste Management and Energy Recovery project, we fully recognize the importance of undertaking initiatives of this kind to address all concerns, issues, and interests with the necessary technical rigor, constructive dialogue, and environmental safeguards.
Our goal is to develop projects that contribute to Spain’s energy independence, the competitiveness of our industry, and sustainability through waste-to-energy processes and the use of renewable energy. We firmly believe that by leveraging the wonderful resources we have in Martos—human capital, renewable resources, and the great potential of the olive oil industry to integrate waste management into energy production processes—we can create a flagship project at the national and international levels due to its social and economic impact on the energy transition that is so necessary today.
We are seeing how various geopolitical conflicts are having a severely negative impact on the economy of workers, families, and industries due to our dependence on fossil fuels from third countries, which limits our competitiveness and affects our real economy and employment. More inflation, more volatility, less competitiveness, and above all, a high degree of dependence. Our project, always in strict compliance with environmental regulations and the corresponding administrative evaluation processes, aims to provide part of the solution to this situation.
The project is currentlyundergoing review and technical analysis by the relevant authorities, a process that will allow for a detailed assessment of all environmental, technical, and health-related aspects.
In this regard, with respect to the proposals put forward by the City Council, we would like to convey the following:
• Request that the Regional Government of Andalusia suspend the proceedings as a precautionary measure while environmental criteria, odor issues, the distance from the municipality, and other measures are reviewed and strengthened.
In this regard, the project is currently undergoing the evaluation and authorization procedures that must be analyzed by the competent authority. It is precisely during these procedures that all environmental, technical, and health aspects are studied in detail, including those related toodors, location, distances, and corrective measures.
• Amend urban planning regulations and draft a specific municipal ordinance to establish requirements regarding location, environmental impact, and health and safety controls.
We believe it is legitimate for the City Council to explore the regulatory tools it deems appropriate to properly regulate this type of facility. Any progress in this regard can help enhance clarity, safeguards, and legal certainty in the development of industrial projects.
• Create a Local Monitoring Committee to ensure citizen participation, transparency, and consensus.
We fully agree on the importance of fostering opportunities for participation, transparency, and dialogue with the public. Indeed, Avalon will launch a series of bilateral meetingsas part of its citizen participation plan, with the goal of explaining the project in detail, sharing technical information, and listening to all concerns and questions so that concrete actions can be taken.
We firmly believe thatthe energy transition and the circular economy can provide an opportunity for the region’s sustainable industrial development, and we will work to ensure that this project adds value to Martos through transparency, technical rigor, and institutional collaboration.